Anyone know when Beretta is suppose to have the Gov't contract filled?

ShipWreck

07-24-09, 22:01

I gave up after 6 months of trying to find 1 in person.

N.Franklin

07-25-09, 00:25

Im still waiting for the 92G-SD to come back.

Business_Casual

07-25-09, 07:32

There is at least one on Gunbroker and yesterday there was one on TOS Equipment Exchange.

M_P

Slater

07-25-09, 09:15

The Good: Brand new M9 and M9A1

The Bad: Had them for a few months and haven't had the chance to shoot them.

I'll agree that M9A1's are scarce, but I had the impression that they weren't one of the more popular models.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/5757_photos/010.jpg

justin_247

07-25-09, 09:35

Any particular reason why you want specifically the model labeled as an M9A1 instead of just a 92FS? Are you simply looking for the front rail and the different sights? Otherwise, they're pretty much identical.

I own a Beretta 92FS, it's a fine pistol, and it suits my purposes (home defense and additional range shooting since the Air Force hardly allocates any range time for the vast majority of its personnel).

williamN

07-25-09, 09:37

Any particular reason why you want specifically the model labeled as an M9A1 instead of just a 92FS? Are you simply looking for the front rail and the different sights? Otherwise, they're pretty much identical.

I own a Beretta 92FS, it's a fine pistol, and it suits my purposes (home defense and additional range shooting since the Air Force hardly allocates any range time for the vast majority of its personnel).

The rail.

I already own an 92FS.

justin_247

07-25-09, 09:41

Awesome. I originally wanted a rail, too, in order to mount a light. I instead made do with an el cheapo Airsoft rail. I swear I will never buy an Airsoft product again, but it met my requirements and I had no interest in spending $100 on a Surefire rail.

justin_247

07-25-09, 10:33

Looks like I can replace it now! This is an awesome little rail...
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=134754175

williamN

07-25-09, 10:57

Looks like I can replace it now! This is an awesome little rail...
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=134754175

Thanks, never saw those before.

HK45

07-25-09, 20:28

Quite a few differences.
http://www.berettaweb.com/armi/M9A1/Beretta%20M9A1.htm
Rail
Front and backstrap checkering
Beveled mag well
Sights
PVD coated mags
I think the finish is different but don't remember
Thicker trigger guard.

Any particular reason why you want specifically the model labeled as an M9A1 instead of just a 92FS? Are you simply looking for the front rail and the different sights? Otherwise, they're pretty much identical.

kmrtnsn

07-25-09, 20:44

Not to mention a complete lack of holsters to fit the rails.

tinfinger

07-30-09, 22:04

I think holsters for the Vertec will fit the M9A1. Although, such holsters still aren't terribly common.

ranger216

07-30-09, 22:55

There is at least one on Gunbroker and yesterday there was one on TOS Equipment Exchange.

M_P

Sorry I guess im not to savvy, wheres TOS Equipment Exchange?

justin_247

08-01-09, 02:53

Quite a few differences.
http://www.berettaweb.com/armi/M9A1/Beretta%20M9A1.htm
Rail
Front and backstrap checkering
Beveled mag well
Sights
PVD coated mags
I think the finish is different but don't remember
Thicker trigger guard.

Those are quite a few differences, although I don't know if they'd make that much of a difference. You can buy the mags, so I don't think that's a big issue. The beveled mag well seems like it'd be nice, but I've never had a problem quickly ejecting one mag and sliding another one in. The checkering would be handy in wet conditions.

Admittedly, though, I have yet to see an M9A1 being issued and even used at the range. Maybe the special ops folks use it, but I don't see why they would bother with a 9 mm when they're allowed to use numerous other kinds of handguns that are more effective. I'm sure SWAT/SRT around the country probably have a few of these.

Seems like these are mostly "tacticool."

justin_247

08-01-09, 03:04

CORRECTION: I have been informed that the Marines have up to 20,000 of these pistols.

It should also be noted that Beretta makes no differentiation between the 92FS and the M9. For example, see this press release:
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-29-2009/0004962662&EDATE=

And this site:
http://www.beretta92.com/

However, there are differences between the 92FS/M9 and the M9A1. The website specifically states the following:

The frame of the M9A1 has a MIL-SPEC-1913 (Picatinny) rail for rapid attachment of tactical lights and laser aiming devices. The radical checkering of the front and back straps ensures a firm grip in both wet or dry shooting conditions. The magazine well has an aggressive bevel to facilitate fast tactical reloads in combat situation. The 3-dot sights allow for quick acquisition of the target. The non-reflective black matte of Beretta’s proprietary Bruniton finish provides superior corrosion resistance. The chrome lined barrel has a deeply recessed combat muzzle crown that protects the rifling.

The newest development for the M9A1 is the specially designed, sand resistant, PVD-coated magazine. The PVD coating reduces friction while the design of the tube reduces the damaging effect of sand allowing for excellent reliability and function of the M9A1 in desert or other extreme conditions.

I think that clears everything up.

BushmasterFanBoy

08-01-09, 12:31

It should also be noted that Beretta makes no differentiation between the 92FS and the M9.

Justin,

There are numerous differences between the commercial M9 and the commercially available 92FS.
Here are a few (I copied and pasted this from Beretta Forum):

*
The M9 usually has a straight dustcover and non-radiused backstrap (Contract Pistols will always be straight/straight)

The 92FS (recent model) has a radiused backstrap and angled dustcover
M9 markings (including proof markings and cage # markings)
M9 lacks the warning to read owner's manual
The rear sight of the 92FS has 2 dots, whereas the M9 has a single half-moon
M9 (unless special or limited edition) comes in cardboard box, with no plastic hard case

justin_247

08-01-09, 12:48

There are numerous differences between the commercial M9 and the commercially available 92FS.
Here are a few (I copied and pasted this from Beretta Forum):

*
The M9 usually has a straight dustcover and non-radiused backstrap (Contract Pistols will always be straight/straight)

The 92FS (recent model) has a radiused backstrap and angled dustcover
M9 markings (including proof markings and cage # markings)
M9 lacks the warning to read owner's manual
The rear sight of the 92FS has 2 dots, whereas the M9 has a single half-moon
M9 (unless special or limited edition) comes in cardboard box, with no plastic hard case

Alright, maybe this applies to the older M9s, but I've shot the M9 numerous times and I own a 92FS, and I can say that, just like my 92FS, all the M9s that I've shot all have 2 dots on the rear sight. I don't have my 92FS handy right now to look at the backstrap and dustcovers, but after firing thousands of rounds I don't remember these differences at all... they're probably irrelevant to the functioning of the pistol.

And where is this supposed warning located at on the pistol? I have never seen it on mine.

The M9 markings and whether or not it came with a plastic case is absolutely irrelevant.

These differences most likely apply to old models, which is why I am not familiar with them. The newer ones are pretty much identical.

Henny

08-01-09, 19:32

Justin,

Here are some pictures of my 3 year old M9. I have a picture of my 96's warning to depict the warning that Bushmasterfanboy was talking about as I do not currently own a 92 anymore. I'm certain my 92 that I did have had the warning. Note, there is no warning on my M9.

M9 slide right side:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/schenninge/DSC00428.jpg

96 slide right side depicting the warning

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/schenninge/DSC00430.jpg

M9 "half moon" rear sight

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/schenninge/DSC00432.jpg

Once again, I don't have a 92 anymore to show the differences between the dust covers and backstraps.

Hope this helps!

BushmasterFanBoy

08-01-09, 23:28

And where is this supposed warning located at on the pistol? I have never seen it on mine.

See above. Well explained.

I can say that, just like my 92FS, all the M9s that I've shot all have 2 dots on the rear sight

Once again you're mistaken. In this picture of the M9 sights you can see that it is a bar/post configuration. The two white dots are left black. They can be whitened with paint as to create a three dot setup, but M9's from the factory come with a bar/post setup.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/schenninge/DSC00432.jpg

they're probably irrelevant to the functioning of the pistol.

The straight dustcover found on the M9 is more prone to cracking than the "improved" curved one found on the 92FS.

These differences most likely apply to old models, which is why I am not familiar with them. The newer ones are pretty much identical.
Some of the differences (dustcover and radiused backstrap) actually DO NOT apply to the old models (PWNED! Just had to say that :D). These are subtle differences that only someone with experience shooting Berettas will be familiar with.

Here are some pictures I made up real quick to help you understand these differences. (Keep in mind the OLDER 92FS's will not have these two differences):
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd283/Burke888/M9.jpg?t=1249186387
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd283/Burke888/92FS.jpg?t=1249186417

HK45

08-02-09, 04:09

Justin, you keep saying there are no differences, people point out the differences, then you say the differences are irrelevant. Maybe true maybe not, in the case of the M8A1 those changes are there for specific reasons so not irrelevant. But the point is there ARE differences. You also seem to be unaware that the M9A1 only exists because of changes the Marine Corps required of the M9 and the M9A1 is only issued to the Marine Corps.

justin_247

08-02-09, 04:17

Justin, you keep saying there are no differences, people point out the differences, then you say the differences are irrelevant. Maybe true maybe not, in the case of the M8A1 those changes are there for specific reasons so not irrelevant. But the point is there ARE differences. You also seem to be unaware that the M9A1 only exists because of changes the Marine Corps required of the M9 and the M9A1 is only issued to the Marine Corps.

If you would read the thread, you would see that I have already conceded that there are differences and that the Marine Corps is the primary user. In fact, I'm the one who introduced the latter fact into this thread.

justin_247

08-02-09, 04:22

See above. Well explained.

Once again you're mistaken. In this picture of the M9 sights you can see that it is a bar/post configuration. The two white dots are left black. They can be whitened with paint as to create a three dot setup, but M9's from the factory come with a bar/post setup.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/schenninge/DSC00432.jpg

The straight dustcover found on the M9 is more prone to cracking than the "improved" curved one found on the 92FS.

Some of the differences (dustcover and radiused backstrap) actually DO NOT apply to the old models (PWNED! Just had to say that :D). These are subtle differences that only someone with experience shooting Berettas will be familiar with.

Here are some pictures I made up real quick to help you understand these differences. (Keep in mind the OLDER 92FS's will not have these two differences):
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd283/Burke888/M9.jpg?t=1249186387
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd283/Burke888/92FS.jpg?t=1249186417

When I actually have access to my 92FS in a year or so (or 2 or 3), I'll be able to address this better. Unfortunately, I'm currently assigned to a country that has a ban on semi-automatic handguns and I'm due to PCS to a country with a ban, as well. So, until then, I can't say anything else with any confidence.

Falar

08-02-09, 07:50

Im still waiting for the 92G-SD to come back.

Supposedly these are not coming back, as well as Vertec models. I'm trying to find an SD right now, not much luck so far.

Molon

08-02-09, 10:25

This is the model that they should have been looking at.

http://www.box.net/shared/static/d4548g3dip.jpg

Alex V

08-04-09, 12:13

What about the Beretta 90-Two? In 9mm or .40 S&W...

the .40 S&W was the first firearm I ever purchansed, I love it. It has the accesory rail on the front as well.

Stan_TheGunNut

08-04-09, 13:13

Neither my 92FS or 96FS have radiused backstraps. The 92 has a single dot back sight, and the 96 has two dots on the rear sight. Perhaps some of the differences depend on when the gun was manufactured? Except for the warning label, both of mine look exactly like the M9.

In the pictures that were posted, I don't see any differences between a curved and straight dust cover. But maybe I just don't know what to look for.

Falar

08-04-09, 16:54

Neither my 92FS or 96FS have radiused backstraps. The 92 has a single dot back sight, and the 96 has two dots on the rear sight. Perhaps some of the differences depend on when the gun was manufactured? Except for the warning label, both of mine look exactly like the M9.

In the pictures that were posted, I don't see any differences between a curved and straight dust cover. But maybe I just don't know what to look for.

It DOES depend on when the gun was manufactured. The curved dust cover and radiused backstrap are fairly recent changes. There are thousands and thousands of 92s out there from the 80s and 90s (maybe even early 00s?) that will resemble an M9.

BushmasterFanBoy

08-04-09, 17:23

Perhaps some of the differences depend on when the gun was manufactured?

Exactly. As I mentioned in my post the OLDER 92FSs will not have a radiused backstrap and will also feature a straight dustcover, just like the M9.

In the pictures that were posted, I don't see any differences between a curved and straight dust cover.
They are there. Follow the "line" on the dustcover, just below the serial number. On the M9/Older pistols you will see that this "line" is straight, whilst the current 92FS "line" moves upwards.

Slater

08-05-09, 14:36

What about the Beretta 90-Two? In 9mm or .40 S&W...

the .40 S&W was the first firearm I ever purchansed, I love it. It has the accesory rail on the front as well.

For whatever reason, the 90Two doesn't seem to be setting any sales records. Maybe the "New Age" styling?

Anyway, one's on my wish list (in 9mm).

kmrtnsn

08-05-09, 23:58

Fashion is important. Having a pistol "designed" by an Italian design studio is important to a lot of people.

JiMfraRED1911

08-06-09, 00:01

Fashion is important. Having a pistol "designed" by an Italian design studio is important to a lot of people.

QFT

In the words of the great Jeremy Clarkson, "In Italy, looking good is more important than looking where you are going."

kmrtnsn

08-06-09, 00:14

So very true!

"Shoot? Itza notta foura da shootin, itza for looking a good"

Alex V

08-06-09, 18:23

For whatever reason, the 90Two doesn't seem to be setting any sales records. Maybe the "New Age" styling?

Anyway, one's on my wish list (in 9mm).

I had to have the store order one for me a year ago. But now, the store/range that I go to has 3 of them. 2/.40 and 1/9mm

Fashion is important. Having a pistol "designed" by an Italian design studio is important to a lot of people.

All my friends made fun of me for that... Also cause I'm a HUGE Ferrari Formula 1 fan, and walk around in Ferrari F1 team polo's all the time...

For what its worth, I think its a pretty good pistol. I don't have much experience beyond it, but my friend's father had a 96, and I liked it, which is why I got the 90-Two. It felt a lot better in my hand than all the other ones Ive tried. I have not had a single jam since buying it, which is saying a lot more than the HK USP Compact 9mm which my mom just bought... it jams A LOT, after firing it, slide comes back and the empty casing is still half way in there... not ejecting properly..

Never had a problem with the 90-Two. Its not as accurate as I had hoped, but I think that is just lack of skill on my part.

I like it...
http://avoronoff.hypermart.net/Beretta_90-Two.jpg

JiMfraRED1911

08-06-09, 20:28

All my friends made fun of me for that... Also cause I'm a HUGE Ferrari Formula 1 fan, and walk around in Ferrari F1 team polo's all the time...

Ignore the haters. Hell I went to VT's 1911 Operator's Course sporting a Michael Schumacher hat.